How to get super shiny hair for your wedding day

A good shine makes hair look younger, healthier and helps enhance that bridal glow on your wedding day. We’ve tracked down some industry experts to give you their top tips for achieving super glossy hair.

Beauty comes from within
Like good skin or healthy teeth, shiny hair starts from eating well. “A good diet is the key for super shiny healthy hair,” says hair trichlogist, Iain Sallis. “You need lots of the right types of protein, and iron is also essential for good hair growth.” So, try chowing down on oily fish (such as salmon and mackerel), nuts and, of course, the beloved avocado.

Brush it through
Think brushing equals breakage? Think again. Hair dresser Karine Jackson says a good brush is the best way to keep hair healthy. “I’d recommend switching to a brush with good quality bristles like Mason and Pearson,” she says. “Start by removing any tangles; gently hold the hair and start at the ends, don’t tug all the way through as this causes damage. Once the tangles are gone, this is the stage to brush the hair from root to tip, as this will distribute the hair’s natural oils giving hair a healthy shine.”

Image: Julie Vino

Condition
Invest in a good conditioner and use it every time you shampoo. Before drying or straightening always make sure you protect your hair. “After washing your hair, apply a heat protection product before blow drying,” advises Karine. “This will prevent any breakages and heat damage to the hair, which will damage shine.”

Mask it up
Never seem to have time for a hair mask? You need to make time. A good hair mask can work wonders when it comes to restoring shine and thickness. “When you come into the salon for your colour or a trim, treat yourself to an intensive treatment to keep your hair strong and healthy,” advises Karine. “Invest in a mask to use at home once a week for soft shiny hair.”

Cold showers
It might sound like an old wives’ tale, but it really does work. After washing your hair blast it with cold water (just 30 seconds should do the trick). This will seal the hair cuticle and give your locks more gloss.

Before the big day
“The night before your wedding, sleep with an intensive pre-shampoo conditioner in your hair to hydrate it and close the cuticle,” says trichologist at Philip Kingsley, Anabel Kingsley. “Apply a lightweight shine-enhancing anti-frizz blow-dry spray and serum to towel dried hair before styling or ask your hair stylist to do something similar.”

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